Officials
KOVACS Istvan
Romanian referee appointed for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and assigned to UEFA Champions League matches.
Life and work
The story behind the role.
KOVACS Istvan was appointed by FIFA as a referee for the FIFA World Cup 2026, representing the Romania member association in the official list published on 9 April 2026.
FIFA said the 170-person Team One cohort was selected after a three-year process based on quality and consistency in international and domestic competition. This profile records the tournament appointment and member-association affiliation without inferring citizenship, education or other employment.
UEFA's appointment records list KOVACS Istvan for Olympiacos v Pafos and Galatasaray v Atletico de Madrid in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, followed by Real Madrid v Leipzig on 21 October 2026 in the 2026/27 competition.
Achievements and distinctions
- 01
Selected for FIFA's 170-person match-official cohort for the 2026 World Cup.
Career record
- 01
2025–26 — UEFA Champions League appointments including Olympiacos v Pafos and Galatasaray v Atletico de Madrid.
- 02
2026 — Referee, FIFA World Cup 2026; appointed to Real Madrid v Leipzig in the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League.
Career and education
Teams and organisations
FIFA · Romania member association · UEFA Champions League
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News and developments
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